Rooted in centuries of history of adornment dating back to the ancient world, modern jewelry reimagines traditional techniques, forms and materials for expressive new pieces. As opposed to contemporary jewelry, which responds to the moment in which it was created, modern jewelry often describes designs from the 20th to 21st centuries that reflect movements and trends in visual culture.
Modern jewelry emerged from the 19th-century shift away from jewelry indicating rank or social status. The Industrial Revolution allowed machine-made jewelry using electric gold plating, metal alloys and imitation stones, making beautiful jewelry widely accessible. Although mass production deemphasized the materials of the jewelry, the vision of the designer remained important, something that would be furthered in the 1960s with what’s known as the “critique of preciousness.”
A design fair called the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” brought global attention to the Art Deco style in 1925 and gathered a mix of jewelry artists alongside master jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Boucheron. Art Deco designs from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels unconventionally mixed gemstones like placing rock crystals next to diamonds while borrowing motifs from eclectic sources including Asian lacquer and Persian carpets. Among Cartier’s foremost design preoccupations at the time were high-contrast color combinations and crisp, geometric forms and patterns. In the early 20th century, modernist jewelers like Margaret De Patta and artists such as Alexander Calder — who is better known for his kinetic sculptures than his provocative jewelry — explored sculptural metalwork in which geometric shapes and lines were preferred over elaborate ornamentation.
Many of the innovations in modern jewelry were propelled by women designers such as Wendy Ramshaw, who used paper to craft her accessories in the 1960s. During the 1970s, Elsa Peretti created day-to-night pieces for Tiffany & Co. while designers like Lea Stein experimented with layering plastic, a material that had been employed in jewelry since the mid-19th century and had expanded into Bakelite, acrylics and other unique materials.
Find a collection of modern watches, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
21 inch Flower Shape 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 21 inch Flower Shape 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace is a beautiful blend of elegance and floral charm. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this stunning piece features natural diamonds...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Outline 'BABS' 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Nameplate Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Outline 'BABS' 14K Yellow Gold Nameplate Necklace is a captivating piece of jewelry that combines the elegance of full cut diamonds with the timeless beauty of a butterfl...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Shine Black Enamel 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Shine Black Enamel 14K Yellow Gold Lariat Necklace features natural diamonds (0.05 carats) and striking black enamel details. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, it weighs 4.45 grams. Th...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Starlight Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Heart Lariat Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Starlight Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Heart Lariat Necklace is a radiant expression of love and elegance. Designed in 14K yellow gold, it features dazzling natural diamonds arranged ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Heart Station 14K Yellow Gold ( 18K Custom ) Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Delicate, romantic, and timeless, this Heart Station Diamond Necklace is crafted in luminous 14K yellow gold, with the option to customize in 18K gold for an elevated finish. Featuri...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Centerpiece 14K (18K Custom) Yellow Gold Statement Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed for those who appreciate refined luxury, this Diamond Centerpiece Statement Necklace is crafted in genuine 14K yellow gold, with the option to customize in 18K gold for an e...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Baguette & Round Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Dangling Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Baguette Round Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Dangling Necklace exudes luxury and elegance. Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, it features a stunning combination of natural diamonds and Baguet...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14 Green Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 14 Green Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Necklace is a vibrant and romantic statement of elegance. Crafted in polished 14K yellow gold, this heart-shaped pendant is adorned...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Byzantine Blackened Silver + 18K Gold Cabochon Tourmaline Diamond Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Wearable Art Sculpture Byzantine style double sided pendant necklace. Pink, black and white 35.00ct tourmaline accented with 14 pink tourmalines and 65 round diamonds. 18k yellow gold and blackened Sterling silver. Roman Chariot on reverse side of the pendant. 17 inches long. 1 cushion green, pink and white Tourmaline...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold, Silver
Cushion Cut 14K (or 18k upon request) White Gold Open Heart Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Diamond Halo Pendant features a Cushion-cut Diamond center stone accompanied by small Round Diamond side stones in Halo setting in 14k Gold metal. Great gift for Anniversary, Bi...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.09ct Pave Diamond & Blue Sapphire Hamsa 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vibrant sapphire sits at the center, adding a touch of luxury and allure. Suspended on a delicate gold chain, this necklace is both a meaningful talisman and a versatile accessory ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Heart Shaped Letters 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold MAMA Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Heart Shaped Letters 14K Gold MAMA Necklace is a timeless tribute to motherhood. With sparkling natural diamonds set in a delicate design, it’s perfect for celebrating...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Personalised Mommy 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful tribute to motherhood, this 14k Yellow Gold "MAMA" Necklace shines with natural diamonds. Its timeless design and subtle elegance make it perfect for everyday wear or spe...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Dazzling Heart Shape 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold MAMA Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celebrate the special bond with this stunning heart-shaped "MAMA" necklace, crafted in 14k yellow gold for a timeless and elegant look. A delicate piece that symbolizes love and warm...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sicis Jewels 18K White Gold Necklace with Tzavorites, Peridot & Sapphires
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
A green ribbon where micromosaic tiles are used as a special yarn to create a spectacular three-dimensional effect. The central peridot gives it additional shine. White gold 18K, Wh...
White Diamond, Peridot, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
10 Carat Pink Tourmaline Swirl Floral Modern Pendant 14K White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This striking pendant features a richly saturated oval cut pink tourmaline, approximately 10 carats, radiating vibrant color and brilliance. The tourmaline is beautifully set within ...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Necklace in White Gold, White Diamonds, Fresh Water Pearls and Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Inspired by the vibrancy of the seabed, the 18-carat white gold Anemone Blush necklace echoes the grace of supple coloured fins. A micro-mosaic in shades of pink enriches the compos...
White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold